Meet coach Mayra
Mayra’s journey has taken her from studying innovative hospitality management with dreams of becoming a hotel manager, to working as a recruiter for luxury hotels, and now to her current role supporting international students at Maastricht University. Reflecting on her diverse career path, she says, “That's what's funny about careers in general: many things in your life can take you in a different path of your career.”
Currently, Mayra works with scholarship and financial aid students and is part of the UM Buddy Programme. She loves her job and is passionate about working with international students. However, she felt something was missing—guiding students more directly. This realisation soon led her to become a coach at Coach Café.
A change of perspective: The decision to become a coach
Despite her satisfaction with her role at Maastricht University, Mayra felt an absence in her work, especially after returning from maternity leave. “It is a time that you come back and realise that something is missing. Although I interact with students daily, I missed the coaching aspect I had in my previous job.”
One day, she stumbled upon a LinkedIn post by an ex-colleague who was part of the UM Coach Café organisational team. “When I saw it, I thought: This this sounds super nice, and I can combine it with my job. I signed up and said to myself: this is something that can fill the gap I’ve been feeling in my work. It has truly added to my career.” Mayra recalls.
Mayra Quintero
Coach at Coach Café
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Qualities you need as a coach: what to expect
Mayra has now coached at three Coach Café editions and has gained valuable insights into what it takes to be a successful coach. The key takeaway? Coaching isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions. Mayra found that effective coaching requires a mix of soft skills: active listening, curiosity, and empathy. "You really have to listen to what the participants are saying, and you have to have a genuine curiosity to ask insightful questions. You also need to have that empathy of putting yourself in the shoes of that student as to why they're asking certain questions that you might not always understand.”
You don't need to be an experienced coach to join Coach Café. The university provides training to prepare you for the role, which Mayra found invaluable. “They tell you how you're there to listen, and how you're there to really put yourself in their positions. It is for sure a valuable training for people that have less experience in counselling or coaching.”
One practical consideration Mayra highlights is that Coach Café events are held on weekday evenings, often after a full day of work. She advises coaches to ensure they are well rested and to avoid overloading their schedules on the day of the event. "It’s important for the students that you arrive alert," Mayra notes. “Try not to have the busiest day beforehand, so you still have the energy to get through the evening.”
The rewarding value of being a coach
Coach Café is very valuable for soon-to-be- and recent graduates. “Students are constantly in need of answers, and some answers can’t be found on the internet or ChatGPT. Sometimes, they need some personalised guidance,” Mayra explains. The programme, organised by the University for the University, is particularly impactful because many of the coaches are UM alumni themselves. Participants greatly appreciate the advice and support they receive, and this, in turn, makes the experience rewarding for coaches. “It's just really nice when they give you a compliment as ‘your advice really, really helped me.’” Mayra shares.
She recalls several memorable moments where Coach Café made a significant difference for students. For example, she noticed how some students evolved during the event: “I really like seeing someone who was super closed off and shy in the first round, raise their hand during Living Linkedin. I feel like the Coach Café did its job in opening her up.”
Mayra also remembers more personal interactions, such as one with an older student who was concerned about balancing career and family plans. “She felt relieved to know that, even after 30, there is no reason to stop with her career plans if wanting to have a family. She was incredibly reassured to hear that age doesn’t necessarily need to determine an urge of getting married or starting a family, specially after hearing her specific expectations. She said that my personal advice helped her feel more relaxed about not being so strict with her personal plans, as she wanted to focus on her career first.”
I would like the Coach Café to provide a bit of relief by emphasising that you don’t have to immediately know what you want to do, but you should be aware of what you do enjoy.
The networking aspect of Coach Café is another key benefit. Mayra recalls a student interested in volunteering in Tanzania. Coincidentally, Mayra knew someone running a foundation to improve the education for young girls Tanzania and offered to connect them. “It was like a lightbulb moment; she said, ‘This is the sign I needed to move forward with my plans in Tanzania.’ She was so excited. It felt really nice to be the push she needed to move forward, all because of a connection that was purely coincidental.”
Interested in being a coach?
If you’re interested in guiding soon-to-be UM alumni on their career paths, consider becoming a coach at Maastricht University’s Coach Café. Held twice a year, in spring and autumn, this event allows alumni to give back to the community by sharing their knowledge and experiences.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply enjoy helping others, coaching can be an incredibly rewarding experience. “It enriches you to be able to guide students and share your wisdom, career choices and advice,” says Mayra.
To sign up as a coach, you can use the 'Stay Involved' form or email alumni@maastrichtuniversity.nl. Join Mayra and others in making a lasting impact on the next generation of professionals.
